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E90/E91/E92/E93 (2006 - 2013) The E9X is the 4th evolution of the BMW 3 series including a highly tuned twin turbo 335i variant pushing out 300hp and 300 ft. lbs. of torque. BMW continues to show that it sets the bar for true driving performance! -- View the E9X Wiki

I have a wonderful '06 M Roadster that I really love but at my age am starting to realize that I need something larger so I am looking to trade for a 335 convertible('07-10)....one question is how will I enjoy/like the auto trans compared to the 6 MT...Thanks

well if you get the paddle shifters, its kind of like a manual but no clutch to keep pushing in, I use to only drive manuals, but when I got my second 4 runner they didnt offer Manuals, so it was an auto, so all I buy now are automatics, I still have my Triumph TR6 which is a manual when I have the urge to shift gears.

I have a wonderful '06 M Roadster that I really love but at my age am starting to realize that I need something larger so I am looking to trade for a 335 convertible('07-10)....one question is how will I enjoy/like the auto trans compared to the 6 MT...Thanks

If you're asking us, there's one important qualifier: We're not you.

You know the rest.

I recommend you post your impressions. Give us the long & short - should be interesting.

I've had several including an '04 M3 and an '07 335 sedan all with 6MTs.....actually the 335 sedan with the 6MT was probably the sweetiest car I've ever driven(combining power and shifting ease).....the problem is that there are not many 6MT convertibles around....but that would be my first choice.

After 12+ years of driving cars with manual transmissions, I do not regret the absence of the clutch pedal but do love the ability to "shift" with the triptronic transmission. In fact, that is how I drive 99% of the time. Some claim that the 3rd pedal makes driving more fun, to each their own! To me it makes for more involvement, not in a good way!

OP - test drive both and let the best one win, however it is you define "best."

I have a wonderful '06 M Roadster that I really love but at my age am starting to realize that I need something larger so I am looking to trade for a 335 convertible('07-10)....one question is how will I enjoy/like the auto trans compared to the 6 MT...Thanks

Coming from an E86M myself, and having a steptronic 335 at the same time, the answer is .... no.

Flappy paddles are like those people who "dance" while sitting on their chairs at wedding receptions.

"Flappy Paddles" are now on most race cars including F1 and ALMS. F1 drivers left foot brake and use all of their limbs. Yes I know that the Steptrionic is not the same as a race car transmission but by the same token neither is the 6 speed manual.

"Flappy Paddles" are now on most race cars including F1 and ALMS. F1 drivers left foot brake and use all of their limbs. Yes I know that the Steptrionic is not the same as a race car transmission but by the same token neither is the 6 speed manual.

CA

I hear what you're saying and I know that 3-pedal cars are no longer more efficient nor faster than modern automated transmissions. Still, when the subject is driving enjoyment in a street car/daily driver, 3-pedals is more fun and involving the same way some people prefer Weber charcoal grills to gas ones.

I hear what you're saying and I know that 3-pedal cars are no longer more efficient nor faster than modern automated transmissions. Still, when the subject is driving enjoyment in a street car/daily driver, 3-pedals is more fun and involving the same way some people prefer Weber charcoal grills to gas ones.

I hear what you are saying but frankly I don't find driving any car on public roads at a fraction of its capabilities all that involving regardless of what kind of transmission it has. I find it enjoyable but not particularly involving. After years of driving MTs shifting gears, including double clutching and heel and toeing, became second nature and not what I would call involving.

What I consider involving is driving a car at the limits knowing that if you go any faster you will lose control. This is not something I would try on public roads and even if I could I would not want to have to be driving with the level of concentration that that style of driving requires when I am out for a pleasant drive. IN that situation I do not have the need to feel involved. I need to concentrate on driving and feel that I am in control of the car and understand what is going on around me but I also want to feel somewhat relaxed. In the words of Mario Andretti "If everything seems under control you aren't going fast enough"

In any case I understand that many people enjoy driving MTs, myself included, and would not try to talk anyone out of one but IMO there is much more to high performance driving than shifting gears. Perhaps the fact that I regularly get to drive an MT car has somewhat influenced my lack of interest for an MT on my street car.

In any case I understand that many people enjoy driving MTs, myself included, and would not try to talk anyone out of one but IMO there is much more to high performance driving than shifting gears. Perhaps the fact that I regularly get to drive an MT car has somewhat influenced my lack of interest for an MT on my street car.

CA

I've read a lot of your posts here and your experience with cars and driving is certainly much more than mine. I don't have nearly as much seat time and I only have one car.

I've read a lot of your posts here and your experience with cars and driving is certainly much more than mine. I don't have nearly as much seat time and I only have one car.

This could explain our differences in perspective.

Perhaps, but I respect your opinion. And personal preferences are exactly that, personal preferences, and you have to go with what you like. I was an MT diehard for years and I enjoyed every minute of driving those cars, but I also enjoy driving my AT street cars.

I have a wonderful '06 M Roadster that I really love but at my age am starting to realize that I need something larger so I am looking to trade for a 335 convertible('07-10)....one question is how will I enjoy/like the auto trans compared to the 6 MT...Thanks

Whoa! Wait a minute! Define "at my age". Why exactly do you need "more room"? Grandchildren? Unless you're approaching your 80's and have an arthritic left left and/or right arm, why give up the M Roadster?

My wife has a 6MT 335is Coupe and it's fun to drive but it is nowhere near the fun of driving my M Roadster. My choice for more than a weekend trip, but no comparison.

My $.02... I think there are many of us MT die hards because the experiences we've had with ATs is likely with rental cars. That at least goes for me. And the rental cars I've driven are usually garbage to include the slush box. I've seen plenty of complaints about the ATs in the E9X 328s. But people usually post about their dislikes and problems. I'm certain there are plenty of 328 drivers that don't mind their ATs one bit, but don't find that remarkable enough to post about it. As for the AT in the 335i and 335d, far fewer complaints. And the reviews on the 8 Speed ATs in the F30 seem to be glowing.

Since the OP is looking at a 335, I've got a feeling he'll be alright.

I went the MT route both for preference and reliability over the long haul. Plus there seems an undeniable pureness in a 6MT and NA I6. I just love how it pulls to redline.